Need help with research paper (understanding ADD and...)

[enarchay]

I'm writing a research paper for English composition II, and being the perfectionist that I am, I want to understand my research and produce a halfway decent argument. My paper relies upon the writings of Nicholas Carr and Emily Yoffe, but I've encountered a major snag in my research. I have two questions.

First, according to the article titled "Running Late? Researchers Blame Aging Brain," dopamine controls one's sense of time. As a result, for those with lower dopamine levels, time seems to move faster (i.e. people with lower dopamine levels overestimate the passage of time).

However, I've also heard that those with ADHD have lower dopamine levels, but this seems sort of counter intuitive. Wouldn't time move slower for those with ADHD -- which could explain why ADHD sufferers have trouble concentrating on things that take time and attention?

What is the relationship here?

Second, Nicholas Carr argues that increased Internet use is producing ADHD-like symptoms in users. Likewise, Emily Yoffe argues that the seeking/wanting/reward system accounts for why people seem to get so caught up with the Internet.

This seems to be contradictory, for dopamine is at the heart of the seeking system. If those with ADHD have low dopamine levels, then if increased Internet use is leading to ADHD-like symptoms, one would expect to see lower dopamine levels in frequent Internet users. But if frequent Internet users have low dopamine levels, their seeking system should be weaker and thus they wouldn't be using the Internet as much!

This makes me wonder if perhaps those with ADHD have a selective seeking system. I've heard that this is true. This raises the question: Is it possible for the environment to hardwire the seeking system in a selective direction? For example, could increased Internet use program one's seeking system to prefer the quick and easy (via websites) over high concentration and deliberation (e.g., deep reading)?

Could someone point me in the direction of some sources to help me clarify these difficulties I'm having?

Thanks.

[warmblanket]

Your Quote: "However, I've also heard that those with ADHD have lower dopamine levels, but this seems sort of counter intuitive. Wouldn't time move slower for those with ADHD -- which could explain why ADHD sufferers have trouble concentrating on things that take time and attention?"
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for ADHD, their mind is hyperactive, their mind is moving faster than can manage, hence cant focus or concentrate on one thing but rather things become dissipated. Dopamine does many things, it is involved in mood improvement and regulation, in the inter communication of neurons etc., there has been research done on psychopaths and they sourced their problem to the manner in which dopamine is functioning in their brains. I think you need to focus on how dopamine as a neurotransmitter is operating or functioning within a particular disorder as opposed to your logic of a process of deduction, that because low was found to mean this in one disorder, then it must be same in ADHD etc.

im not qualified, just broad knowledge,

[ErikAndersen]

Hello,
I would like to formally introduce myself to this sub-forum, as it seems to be the most rigorous one on the site, and the most informative. I am guessing the Village Elders live here
"Hi Village Elders!"

[ErikAndersen]

Oh I am sorry, I forgot - I chose this thread, because I have been diagnosed with AD/HD and might be able to offer some help.

What are the rules about giving professional advice on this forum?